The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Wednesday morning that former closer Joel Hanrahan has been hired as an assistant pitching coach for Morgantown. Hanrahan played for the Pirates from 2009 until 2012, when he was dealt away for Mark Melancon. After leaving the Pirates, he pitched just nine more Major League games. He had Tommy John surgery in May of 2013, then during his comeback he wasn’t progressing well and needed a second Tommy John surgery. He didn’t officially retire as a player until this past November, though he never got into a minor league game during those last three seasons.
Hanrahan was a two-time All-Star with the Pirates and saved a total of 76 games during the 2011-12 seasons. He is wearing his old uniform number from his days with the Pirates. He will work alongside pitching coach Tom Filer at Morgantown.
The Bucs announce @hanrahan52 is back with the organization as assistant pitching coach with West Virginia Black Bears. #Hammer pic.twitter.com/GWlvyyIRou
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 22, 2017